Latest news with #DayleRoss
CTV News
27-06-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
‘Dream come true': PWHL drafts local hockey player
A hockey player from Spirit River is going pro after being selected in the PWHL draft this week. CTV News Edmonton's Evan Kenny reports. Loading the player instance is taking more time than usual Loading the player instance is taking more time than usual 'Think of me as a little girl who has had everything she ever wanted.' Dayle Ross answered the interviewer on Tuesday night in Ottawa with tears in her eyes, elated from being drafted 25th overall to the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL). The 22-year-old defender from Spirit River in northeast Alberta was drafted first pick in the fourth round by the New York Sirens. 'To play with these players now is going to be amazing,' she told media later, once the news had sunk in. 'They're going to make me that much better.' Ross thanked her supporters back in her hometown who she said watched the draft on a big projector screen. She came to the draft with her parents, her boyfriend and some friends. Dayle Ross drafted to the PWHL (Source: TSN) Dayle Ross was drafted 25th overall to the PWHL by the New York Sirens on June 25, 2025. (Source: TSN) This past season she played for St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, U. S.. She was named co-captain in her final National Collegiate Athletic Association season. Her stats on screen at the draft announcement read 40 points and 269 blocks in 142 games with St. Cloud State. 'I'm not very flashy or score lots (of) goals, but I do one job really well and defend,' she described about her game-style. 'I think shutting down some of those players and trying to defend well and blocking shots are my specialty,' she added. 'You might be seeing me block a couple shots in the (penalty kill).' National Tournament in 2019 (Supplied) Dayle Ross in team photo at the National Tournament in 2019. (Supplied) Ross finished playing in the minor hockey league closer to home in St. Albert. Her coach at the time, Dan Auchenberg, was not surprised she is moving to the professional league. 'She's a great team player and she'll do whatever it takes to win,' he said, remembering her determination during a semifinals game against the Saskatoon Stars where she 'busted down the wing' and shot from the corner to score a tying 1-1 goal. 'She actually caused that one break by just her assertiveness and determination and put the puck to the net,' he recalled. The team would go on to win 2-1 in overtime. And it was that winning spirit and drive that moved Auchenberg as a coach. '(She) was committed to getting better and very excited to get to the next year and the following year … and growing,' he said. 'She just inspired you to coach.' That strength was also highlighted this past year where she played through the whole season with a torn ACL injury. She opted to wait until the post-season to get surgery and spend the summer recovering - but not staying idle. 'It's all about getting that strength back. I'm doing a lot of skill work, so stickhandling (and) anything I can that's within my control I can do,' Ross said. Dayle Ross drafted to the PWHL (Source: TSN) Dayle Ross speaks to a reporter after being drafted to the PWHL on June 25, 2025. (Source: TSN) She was one of 17 Canadians and two Albertans drafted to the PWHL on Tuesday. 'I just want to thank the PWHL for everything,' Ross said after the draft, still emotional from the news. 'It's a dream come true.' Her former coach says Ross is proof that hard work can pay off in the sport. 'It doesn't matter where you are, you can play the game,' Auchenberg said, hoping other players will be inspired by Ross. 'You can get there somehow.' With files from CTV News Edmonton's Evan Kenney
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Four Rising Defenders To Watch For The PWHL Draft
Opportunities to scout for the 2024 PWHL Draft are rapidly coming to a close. With the NCAA and U Sports playoffs underway and only the World Championships remaining after the collegiate national championships end, time is running out for prospects to showcase their talent. Defenders often take more time to assess, and if they are defensively inclined, sometimes they can be overlooked in favor of higher scoring blueliners. Here's a look at five defenders who are PWHL Draft prospects who've seen their stock rise in the last month. Dayle Ross, St. Cloud State - Steady and physical, Ross has flown under the radar in the powerhouse WCHA. She skates well and could be a solid addition who can play third pairing minutes and kill penalties in the PWHL. Nina Jobst-Smith, Minnesota-Duluth - Has excelled internationally for Germany and has been a foundational piece for Minnesota-Duluth throughout her career. Few give Jobst-Smith the accolades she deserves, but she sees the ice well, doesn't shy away from tough spots, and is consistent. Skylar Fontaine, ZSC Lions - A four-time All-American with Northeastern, Fontaine is one of the most decorated players to come through NCAA hockey in the last decade. She was twice named a Patty Kazmaier top ten finalist, and was the Hockey East Defender of the Year three times. She's spent the past three seasons in Switzerland where she was named the Swiss league's Best Defender last year. After her visa was declined to return to Switzerland next season, the door has opened wide for a potential PWHL stop. Tamara Giaquinto, Boston University - The Boston University captain has shown offensive growth. She knows how to defend, and if she can continue to develop her offensive skills, she could play valuable depth minutes in the league. Named a Hockey East First Team All-Star this season.
